“Fire Station 14 serves our community, and we wanted to show them how thankful we are for their daily sacrifices and services,” said Nichola Johnson, executive director of Waltonwood Cotswold. “Emergency responders risk their lives for other citizens and are a critical part of any community.”

The Charlotte Fire Department operates out of 42 fire stations and provides fire protection for nearly 800,000 people. The department also educates the public about general safety issues.

“We are thankful to Waltonwood Cotswold for thinking of us by providing lunch for our first-responders,” said Jamar Stroud, captain at Fire Station 14. “We are always ready to assist the senior living community, whether it be in response to a 911 call or providing safety tips to their residents.”

Dawn Aberson-Vanden Broecke

Police: Child dies after left inside vehicle

PINEVILLE – The Pineville Police Department is investigating the death of a 12-month-old after the child was reportedly left inside a vehicle “for a prolonged period of time” Aug. 29 at the McMullen Creek Shopping Center, officials said.

Police obtained a criminal warrant on Dawn Aberson-Vanden Broecke, 42, of Charlotte. Broecke, the child’s foster mother, is being charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Police responded to a 911 call at 5 p.m. at the Lowe’s parking lot. The child was taken to Atrium Pineville, but she was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office later ruled the cause of death as hyperthermia due to environmental exposure.

Photo courtesy of The Sandbox

The Sandbox recognizes ‘Ordinary Angel’

The Sandbox awarded its inaugural Ordinary Angels Award to Robin Axce during An Evening of Believing Prom on Aug. 31 at the Embassy Suites-Concord.

The award recognizes people who through their humble, selfless and compassionate way of living are doing extraordinary things daily.

Robin celebrated the honor with her husband Jeffrey, as well as their children Nathanael (15), Hannah (14), Asher (10) and Elika (10).

he prom serves as The Sandbox’s signature event, designed to give children with life-altering illnesses an opportunity to have fun with friends and family.

Photo courtesy of Northwood Office

Ballantyne hosts successful school supplies drive

CHARLOTTE – The Ballantyne community has provided more than 44,000 school supplies for local students through the Color the Park School Supplies Drive in partnership with Classroom Central.